A Waterfront Wedding Filled With Personality at the Owenego Inn
A Wedding Day That Didn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
Some wedding days are polished and elegant. Others are joyful, unpredictable, and full of personality. Isaac and Kate’s wedding at the Owenego Inn managed to be both.
From emotional first looks to unexpected moments on the dance floor, their day unfolded with an ease that allowed everyone to stay present and have fun. The result was a celebration that felt relaxed, meaningful, and completely true to who they are.
This candid, story-driven approach is how I photograph weddings today throughout Florida.
Getting Ready Together, Apart
The day began at the Omni Hotel in New Haven, where both Isaac and Kate got ready in the same location. Having everyone under one roof made it easy to move between rooms and capture both sides of the morning as it unfolded.
Kate shared a series of first looks with her brothers and father that were full of genuine emotion and unfiltered reactions. These moments set the tone for the rest of the day. Personal, joyful, and deeply connected.
A First Look by the Water
For their first look, we headed to the Owenego Inn. With the sun high overhead, we found shade beneath a tree overlooking the water, creating a calm and private space for Isaac and Kate to see each other for the first time.
Their excitement was immediate and contagious. These first looks often become emotional anchors for the day, offering couples a quiet moment together before everything else begins.
Portraits, Family, and Time to Celebrate
After portraits and bridal party photos, we moved seamlessly into family photographs. The timing worked perfectly, allowing Isaac and Kate to actually enjoy cocktail hour with their guests.
One of the highlights came when we gathered everyone for a large group photo taken from the gazebo above. Moments like this bring people together in a way that feels celebratory rather than staged.
A Ceremony With Meaning and a View
The ceremony took place overlooking the water, with the natural landscape providing a stunning backdrop. At the start of the aisle, Isaac and Kate incorporated old doors from their home, adding a personal and symbolic touch to the space.
Both of their fathers officiated the ceremony, making the exchange of vows feel especially meaningful. The atmosphere was intimate, heartfelt, and filled with love from every direction.
A Reception Full of Surprises
As the reception unfolded, the energy shifted from sentimental to downright fun. One of the most unexpected moments came when the fathers of the bride and groom appeared in sumo outfits and took over the dance floor, chest bumps and all.
Later in the evening, guests emerged in full T-rex costumes, keeping the laughter going well into the night. To top it all off, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck arrived as a late-night treat, giving everyone the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable celebration.
Why Weddings Like This Are So Memorable
What made this wedding special wasn’t just the setting. It was the willingness to embrace the unexpected and let the day unfold naturally.
This is the heart of how I approach wedding photography. I document the planned moments, but I’m always watching for the ones no one could have predicted. The laughter, the surprises, and the genuine reactions that make a wedding feel alive.
Let’s Tell Your Story
If you’re planning a wedding in Sarasota or anywhere along Florida’s Gulf Coast and want photography that feels relaxed, personal, and full of real moments, I’d love to connect.
Your wedding doesn’t need to follow a script to be unforgettable.
